Knowing Michelangelo's backstory can make his masterpieces come to life.

That's especially true when you get to see a statue of David in Florence.

But you sort of need to keep both aspects of the shows us what Michael Angelo's genius reveals about the Renaissance in Italy.

Actor David Suchet shares what he experienced filming a documentary about the first century

world of St Paul and his travels.

One of the most exciting moments of the series on Paul

was when I found myself on the Appian Way,

realizing that the stones beneath my feet had not changed in 2,000 years.

And here how honoring a saint inspires some of Spain's best fiestas.

Most of the celebrations in Spain, National Holiday Day, the Saints.

It's all just ahead on Travel with Rick Steve's. Whether you're looking at Michelangelo's magnificent statue of David, or you get caught up in a raucous crowd at a street festival in Spain,

or even if you just listen to the wind whisper what life was once like among the sun-bleached ruins of the Mediterranean.

Your travels can lift your spirit in many ways.

Hi, I'm Rick Steve's.

In just a bit, we'll take a closer look at the world Michelangelo lived in in Florence 500 years ago.

And actor David Suchet tells us how he retraced the route that St Paul traveled

through the Eastern Roman Empire nearly 2,000 years ago.

Let's start the hour with a look at how people in Spain

honor the lives of important figures from their past.

There are actually hundreds of national and regional Saints in Spain,

and you'll find that many of them get a festival that brings their communities out into the streets to celebrate.

To explain the role of Saints in the culture of Spain, we're joined now by tour guides

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